12.11.2026 11:43
A study conducted in Germany with the participation of approximately 45,000 soldiers revealed the extent of sexual harassment and violence in the army. According to the study, 40 percent of female soldiers were subjected to sexually inappropriate behavior in the past year. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius acknowledged that the problem is systematic and argued that a zero-tolerance policy against sexual harassment is being implemented in the army.
In the comprehensive study conducted by the German armed forces, the Bundeswehr, the experiences of approximately 45,000 soldiers were examined. The results of the study revealed that 2 out of every 5 female soldiers had encountered sexually inappropriate behavior in the past year.
The study determined that low-ranking female soldiers and gay male soldiers in particular were more vulnerable to sexual harassment and inappropriate behavior. It was found that the vast majority of those who committed such behavior were men.
2 OUT OF EVERY 100 SOLDIERS EXPERIENCED SEXUAL VIOLENCE
According to the study, verbal harassment made up the majority of reported incidents. However, the findings also showed that inappropriate behavior was not limited to verbal statements.
Two percent of all military personnel, both women and men, reported that they had been exposed to sexual violence in the past year. This rate revealed that the problem of sexual harassment in the military also reached the dimension of physical violence.
DEFENSE MINISTER ACKNOWLEDGED THE SYSTEMIC PROBLEM
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, faced with the picture revealed by the study, acknowledged that the problem of sexual harassment in the military was systemic in nature.
Pistorius stated, "There is zero tolerance for sexually inappropriate behavior in the German military." However, the fact that 40 percent of female soldiers reported being exposed to such behavior in the past year increased questions about the effectiveness of existing measures in the military.
HARASSMENT CASES FAR EXCEED OFFICIAL RECORDS
Another striking finding of the study was that most cases of sexual harassment were not reported to official authorities. Pistorius stated that the actual number of cases could be 3 to 5 times the number recorded in official records. It emerged that victims' lack of trust in their superiors and the concern that complaints would remain inconclusive were influential in their failure to report incidents.
A 34-POINT ACTION PLAN WAS PREPARED
Following the study, a 34-point action plan was announced to combat sexual harassment in the German military. The plan envisages strengthening complaint mechanisms, increasing counseling services for victims, and expanding the responsibilities of commanders.
Pistorius emphasized that those who condone sexual harassment or fail to take the necessary steps against such incidents cannot continue in managerial positions.